Training Camp Update Volume 2, Issue 1 8/02/06
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- Vikings Depth Chart QB
- Chad Jackson
- Patriots Depth Chart QB
- New Orleans Saints QB
Minnesota Vikings QB: There were some reports in the media that QB Brad Johnson would not be at training camp, but that all proved to be false. His agent Phil Williams cleared the air on Thursday before camp started. "He will absolutely be at training camp Sunday, and there was never a thought of him not being there on time," Williams said. Johnson, of course, isn’t a youngster any more, so there is plenty of concern that the Vikings will be up the creek without a paddle if he goes down at any point. Backing Johnson up are veterans Mike McMahon and rookie Tarvaris Jackson. McMahon has experience, but mostly in a losing cause. "I've heard so much criticism, and you turn on the TV, and you hear so many negative things," McMahon said. "You know what; you've got to just go with it. Not everyone is going to like you. A few people are going to like you, and a few people are going to hate you." McMahon paused before adding, "A lot of people are going to hate you. But that's the way it is… I just know I'm a fighter and I'm not going to lay down for anyone." That’s great, but the facts remain that McMahon isn’t very good. The Vikings could ultimately end up relying on their heralded, but raw project – Jackson. He’s not in the same grouping as Vince Young, Matt Leinart or even Jay Cutler, but the coaching staff raves about his cannon arm and running ability. So far in camp, Jackson has showcased his arm a few times. In one morning session, he connected with Chris Jones down the left sideline for a gain of at least 35 yards. RB: Chester Taylor is the new starter after signing a four-year, $14.1 million contract as a free agent. "I'm ready for the challenge," Taylor said. "I had my spurts in Baltimore when Jamal got hurt and then he got suspended (for two games in 2004) and I had to take the load. I know I can do it. I just want to prove I can do it for a whole season this time." Taylor possibly benefited from playing behind a good Ravens offensive line including left tackle Jonathan Ogden, but, based on his impression during the off-season, the Vikings' front five might be even better. "I'm real excited," Taylor said. "I had a great offensive line in Baltimore, but I'm really looking forward to playing behind this line." Of course, the Vikings signed Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson and they expect Matt Birk’s return to strengthen the line further. Taylor was a bit out of shape at this summer’s OTA, but he’s in better condition now. Mewelde Moore and Ciatrick Fason will compete for the backup job. On last Wednesday, the team signed free agent FB Brandon Jones and waived RB Taurean Henderson. WR: Nate Burleson is gone. That gives second year WR Troy Williamson an opportunity to blossom as a starter opposite No. 1 WR Koren Robinson. First, he’ll need to surpass veterans Travis Taylor and Marcus Robinson. If you listen to Koren Robinson, you get the idea that Williamson isn’t far off. "I feel like WR Troy Williamson's going to be the other starter with me," said Robinson. "We're going to rely on him. He's going to have to carry his weight and some of the load on offense." On last Thursday, the team signed free agent Dez White, then waived WR Kelvin Kight on the day before camp. TE: Jermaine Wiggins has never been known for his excellent physique, but this off-season Wiggins worked hard to improve his conditioning and quickness. He believes that will help him become a better player. "I think it's a key to any offense,” said the veteran tight end, “I think it's going to be a key to being a better player." He remains the starter and the new offense will continue to utilize the tight end as they did before only Jimmy Kleinsasser will move back into a more traditional role and focus on playing TE instead of FB or H-back. Defense: The Vikings moved quickly on the eve of camp to sign veteran safety Dwight Smith, who was released a few days before by the Saints. Smith signed a $6.5 million deal covering three years. That makes Willie Offord feel like the odd man out at safety. Darren Sharper has a stronghold on the free safety spot meaning Offord could compete with Smith and SS Tank Williams, another free agent signed during the off-season. Offord said, "Everybody's expectation going into this week was that Tank and I would be competing for the job. I'm pretty sure that's all changed now with bringing in Dwight. I can't be upset. I can't be bitter about the situation. Obviously, I'm coming off an ACL injury. Everything's looking good now, but as coaches, you never know what's going to happen." Offord, of course, is trying to bounce back to form after suffering a torn ACL last year. He's fully recovered and he showed up at training camp three days early to get some extra work in. In one practice over the weekend, HC Brad Childress got after CB Dustin Fox for colliding with WR Jason Carter during one-on-one drills. Fox has been too aggressive for Childress’ taste early in training camp, so he let him know it. The MLB position remains up for grab between Napoleon Harris and Dontarrious Thomas. Team could still moving WLB E.J. Henderson back into the mix as well. "All those guys are capable," said defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin. "It's not about capable; it's about instinctual. How quickly can they process information? And that's what we're exploring right now, playing multiple guys at that spot." Henderson is losing the starting job at WLB to first round pick Chad Greenway, who signed a five-year, $10.75 million contract Thursday to avoid a holdout. The team also waived CB Ukee Dozier the day before training camp. Special Teams: Free agent acquisition Ryan Longwell is the only kicker on the roster. He noted during minicamp, “I've worked hard with the holders of course, to make sure we're all on the same page, and how I want it held, and so I can get used to how they hold it and their rhythm. At the same time I've been working on new kickoff strategies with the new coaching staff.” A big question heading into camp is whether WR Koren Robinson will continue to return kickoffs now that he is a starting receiver. The coaches have indicated they’d prefer he doesn’t, but it depends upon whether someone else steps up for the role. RB Mewelde Moore, WR Kevin Kasper, and DB Dovonte Edwards have been practicing kickoff returns. Moore took over the lead punt returner role last year and fared well. The dark horse candidate is undrafted CB Charles Gordon who returned punts for Kansas last year, and earned All-American honors as a result. Gordon along with WR Josh Davis, WR Jason Carter, and RB Wendell Mathis have practiced fielding punts. Vikings Depth Chart QB Brad Johnson, Mike McMahon, Tarvaris Jackson, J.T. O'Sullivan RB Chester Taylor, Mewelde Moore (PR/KR) (inj), Ciatrick Fason, Joe Echemandu, Wendell Mathis FB Tony Richardson, Richard Owens, Steven Jackson, Brandon Jones, Joey Goodspeed (inj) WR Koren Robinson, Travis Taylor, Troy Williamson, Marcus Robinson, Billy McMullen, Aaron Hosack, Dez White, Ryan Hoag, Kevin Kasper, Josh Davis, Jason Carter TE Jermaine Wiggins, Jim Kleinsasser (FB), Richard Angulo, Jeff Dugan K Ryan Longwell DE Erasmus James, Kenechi Udeze, Darrion Scott, DeQuincy Scott, Ray Edwards, Jayme Mitchell, Khreem Smith DT Pat Williams (NT), Kevin Williams (DE), Spencer Johnson (DT), C.J. Mosley, Eric Taylor, Manase Hopoi, Ross Kolodziej MLB Napoleon Harris (M/S), E.J. Henderson (M/W), Rod Davis, Kyle McKenzie OLB Chad Greenway (W), Ben Leber (S), Dontarrious Thomas (W/M), Heath Farwell (S), Marcus Lawrence CB Antoine Winfield, Fred Smoot, Devonte Edwards (KR), Cedric Griffin, Dustin Fox (FS), Will Hunter, Ronyell Whittaker, Charles Gordon S Darren Sharper (FS), Tank Williams (SS), Dwight Smith (SS/FS), Willie Offord (SS), Greg Blue (FS/SS) New England Patriots QB: As camp got rolling, head coach Bill Belichick compared backup QB Matt Cassel's progress from his rookie season to now with QB Tom Brady’s in 2001. Belichick said, "Cassel is going into camp in a similar way that Brady went into his second year of camp. Matt had a good spring. Now the pads are on and the tempo is a little bit faster and the defense is doing more things and all of that. He has to read and react as part of the normal progression and then he will get some playing time in preseason games, and we'll see if he is able to use that opportunity to improve his game." Brady had a scheduled day off from practice over the weekend and during that time Matt Cassel ran the first-team offense. RB: Corey Dillon got off to a good start in camp giving the crowd something to cheer about after he banged heads on several carries, taking a pitch 20 yards for a touchdown one on play. Dillon has some serious competition for playing time this year as the team selected Laurence Maroney out of Minnesota in the first round. “This is my 10th year,” he said. “I’ve got nothing to lose. I’m going to have fun, enjoy myself, enjoy my teammates, enjoy the coaching staff and go out there and put it on the line each Sunday. There’s no reason to come in here upset. I’m going to take it for what it’s worth, go out there, and try to earn my check.” But Dillon believes he’s got something left in his tank, too. “I’m a nine all day,” he said, looking down at his biceps. “You can’t tell. Are you kidding me? Old man looks good, for sure.” Dillon has taken on a role in terms of mentoring Maroney. He offered a bit of advice to the rookie after he was clobbered by LB Tedy Bruschi in Saturday’s practice. “Get your mouthpiece, son,” Dillon said. “I told him, this is not for play, because they did it to me the first day. The second day I came out with my mouthpiece. I was ready. I told him, every opportunity they get they’re going to try to tackle. Just be prepared for it and hey, if you take one, get back up and go back after it. I’m not a scout, I don’t evaluate talent, but the guy, he’s special. He’s going to be OK.” Maroney hasn't worked much on blitz pickup during the first few days, but Belichick said he’s making progress since the rookie mini-camp. "It's a big adjustment for him in the passing game, but he's worked hard at that," Belichick said. "I think his performance in the passing game has improved quite a bit since when he came in here in early May." WR: Tom Brady says he has no concerns about Deion Branch's holdout. He thinks they’ll pick right up where they left off upon his eventual return. “I don’t think it will take long, I really don’t,” he said. “I’d like for him to be here today. But when he gets back, he’s going to be excited to be here and I’ll be excited to have him here. He’s a big part of our team, a big part of our success.” In last Thursday’s practice, Belichick got after the players periodically and he even ordered them to run a lap midway through one of the sessions. Practice was ragged at first and among the contributors was Reche Caldwell who was chided for not running a route properly. Caldwell was the highest ranking WR on the field with first round pick Chad Jackson on the PUP, Deion Branch holding out and Troy Brown sitting that session out. Brown was back on the field 4 hours later. Brown is scheduled to have some practices off as the team wants to limit him so he’ll be strong for the season. Brown will likely play a larger role in the offense for the first time in a few years. TE: Ben Watson has high expectations coming into this season. The Patriots bolstered their depth at tight end during the off-season by investing a pair of draft picks on Dave Thomas and Garrett Mills. Daniel Graham is nearing the end of his contract and the Patriots will likely allow him to leave following this year, but he remains a punishing blocker and a dangerous receiver who can make plays as a runner after the catch. The Patriots are expected to run a lot more double TE formations this year, thus the draft picks and added depth. Belichick believes they can create mismatches in both the passing and running games when using two tight ends. Due to the team’s lack of both depth and immediate talent at wide receiver, they now have several options to consider here including the rookies Thomas and Mills, who can also line up as a FB or H-back. Defense: FS Eugene Wilson has been working at cornerback early in camp. Wilson said, "I've got to work on my versatility. Last year we had some corner problems with guys getting hurt. Last year I didn't get as much work in camp at corner so I'm thinking if they need me at corner this year, I've got to get ready for it. I just consider myself a DB. I do both (safety and corner). So I'm a DB." The Patriots re-signed LB Chad Brown a week ago and added former Patriots safety Tebucky Jones during the off-season as well. Richard Seymour began camp on the PUP list. The team is also getting a test of why the Saints gave up on DT Johnathan Sullivan, a former first round pick. He was already arrested for marijuana possession since being acquired in a trade for WR Bethel Johnson in June and landed on the PUP list when he failed his conditioning test to start camp. Special Teams: The K battle is under way. Martin Gramatica has been very consistent on field goals after one blocked kick in minicamp. Rookie Stephen Gostkowski has displayed a very strong leg, but has been inconsistent. But as Bill Belichick noted, “I think after one play, one kick, one practice, it's way too early to say, `This guy is ahead of that guy,' or, `That guy is behind somebody else.'” If the competition is close, expect Gostkowski to get the nod, although Belichick also indicated that carrying two kickers is not out of the realm of possibility. Almost half the team has been practicing on the return game. CB Ellis Hobbs, RB Kevin Faulk, RB Laurence Maroney, WR Reche Caldwell, CB Willie Andrews, WR John Stone, WR Chad Jackson, and WR Bam Childress have all practiced kickoff returns. CB Willie Andrews, RB Kevin Faulk, CB Ellis Hobbs, WR John Stone, RB Laurence Maroney, WR Matt Shelton, WR Chad Jackson, WR Bam Childress, WR Reche Caldwell, and WR Troy Brown have all practiced punt returns. The player with probably the most potential and who has shown the most promise in minicamp, OTAs, and camp is seventh round draft pick Willie Andrews. Patriots Depth Chart QB Tom Brady (inj), Matt Cassel, Corey Bramlet RB Corey Dillon, Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk (3RB), Heath Evans (FB), Patrick Cobbs FB Patrick Pass (3RB), Garrett Mills (TE/HB) WR Deion Branch, Reche Caldwell, Chad Jackson, Troy Brown, Bam Childress, Erik Davis, Matt Shelton, Michael McGrew, Zuriel Smith, John Stone, Rich Musinski, Keron Henry TE Daniel Graham, Ben Watson, David Thomas, Matt Brandt, Walter Rasby K Martin Gramatica, Stephen Gostkowski DE Richard Seymour (DT), Ty Warren (DT), Jarvis Green, Marquise Hill, Ifo Pili NT Vince Wilfork, Mario Monds, Dan Klecko, Johnathan Sullivan, Le Kevin Smith MLB Tedy Bruschi (inj), Mike Vrabel (S/I), Chad Brown, Monty Beisel, Larry Izzo, Don Davis, Barry Gardner, Fred Roach OLB Rosevelt Colvin (W/DE), Tully Banta-Cain (S), Pierre Woods, Jeremy Mincey CB Asante Samuel, Ellis Hobbs (KR), Randall Gay (inj), Eric Warfield, Hank Poteat, Chad Scott, Willie Andrews, Antwain Spann, Vernell Brown S Eugene Wilson (FS/CB), Rodney Harrison (inj), Artrell Hawkins (SS), Tebucky Jones (SS/FS), James Sanders (SS), Mel Mitchell, Guss Scott New Orleans Saints QB: Drew Brees received medical clearance and participated fully in practice as training camp began. In the opening day of practice, Brees threw 25-yard passes accurately over the middle several times and showed his trademark finesse on a 30-yard fade that was caught by sure-handed rookie Mike Hass. Earlier in drills, Brees uncorked a long throw downfield that was caught by rookie WR Marques Colston. Brees will limit himself to 80 throws per day during camp to be on the safe side. He’s been throwing since April and hasn’t suffered any setbacks. Head coach Sean Payton was impressed with the team’s progress at QB, particularly that of 2nd year QB Adrian McPherson, who was seen working in punt return drills. Payton has also been impressed with McPherson's progress at quarterback. "I want to see him do a lot of things. He's a great athlete. He might be the best athlete on the team," Payton said. So, if McPherson can't work his way up to second-string then he doesn't want to see waste McPherson’s talent on the bench. Peyton added, “To give a guy a full opportunity to make the team, it would be smart of me to see him do some things other than just take snaps. Can he catch the ball at receiver, can he return punts, can he cover? Because the more he can do, the better his chances are for making the team." RB: With Reggie Bush under contract, everyone in the Big Easy can take a deep breath of relief. Now he simply needs to get accustomed to his new surroundings, and most notably, learn Payton’s offense. Payton commented, “it's a new offense for him [Bush]…and so there's a lot of nuances that go onto a rookie's plate. A lot of things that really are on him, learning for him, and no different than the rest of this rookie class. So I'm sure he'll be excited to be in… We'll be ready to go. He'll be ready.” On a humorous note regarding Bush, Joe Horn said that he nicknamed him, "Baby Matrix" because his running style reminded him of Keanu Reeves' Neo character dodging bullets in a slow-motion effect. Meanwhile, Deuce McAllister began camp in uniform. He looked good but remained cautious in his approach. "The first three or four days are the toughest ones, then once your body adjusts to it you're pretty much normal," said McAllister, who was limited to one practice Saturday, while stretching and riding the stationary bike during the afternoon session. That will be the plan for him for the next week or so. "It's sore, but that's a part of it. You've just got to fight through it and continue to take it one day at a time, see how it feels this afternoon and go from there. It's just fighting through it and trying to be smart with it." Payton wasn’t sure if McAllister would play in the first preseason game in two weeks, but they wore full pads for the first time Saturday morning. It marked the first time McAllister had worn full pads since Week 5 of last season. "Is he where he wants to be? I'm sure he's probably not. But he is progressing," Payton said. "It's hard for me to give you a percentage on where he is, but he is progressing, and he's got to keep getting his weight down." McAllister came into camp weighing around 237 and wants to get to 230. After practicing, McAllister said the knee has had a little swelling and soreness, but said he’ll be fine and will fight through it. “It’s sore, but that’s part of it,” he said. “You just got to fight through it and continue to take it one day at a time, see how it feels and go from there. We have a little swelling, it’s just a matter of fighting through that and trying to be smart with it.” In day two, Aaron Stecker showed good speed after catching a short pass from QB Todd Bouman in drills. When RB Michael Bennett was signed months ago, it was to be the primary backup. "I'm still the same home-run threat I was five years ago," Bennett said. With his trade on August 1st to the Kansas City Chiefs, he’ll compete for the backup spot behind RB Larry Johnson. WR: Joe Horn reportedly worked harder than ever during the off-season to regain his Pro Bowl form that was missing last season. One the first day of drills, he showed some of that flash making an inside move around a defensive back after catching a pass from Brees. Devery Henderson lined up as a starter opposite Horn replacing Donte’ Stallworth, who was removed from a mini-camp practice a month ago for being late. Henderson continues to have problems hanging onto the ball at times. Payton was asked Saturday if Henderson, who has been splitting reps with WR Chris Horn and WR Donte Stallworth, is struggling. “He’s just dropped a couple of balls, and he didn’t do that in the spring,” said Payton. “He dropped a couple in the first two practices, but he’s picking the offense up, He knows what he’s doing, but that position’s got to be able to catch the football.” Rookie Mike Hass missed the June minicamp due to NFL workout rules, but he picked right up where he left off at the rookie mini-camp. He made a twisting catch of a Brees pass, and later hauled in a catch from QB Adrian McPherson after falling to the ground and getting back up before the ball arrived. Brees, under pressure and rolling to his right in team drills, found Horn with a sharp throw along the sidelines on another play. WR/KR Michael Lewis took is easy as he return from a torn ACL. He caught a few passes during individual drills and rode the bike. “We’ll take it day-by-day,” said Lewis. “It’s just a minor setback and it’s going to take some time. But I’m going to work hard to be out there.” Chris Horn, Jamal Jones and Chase Lyman are all in camp and competing for roster spots. TE: This position has plenty of competition. Payton pointed to the importance of this camp for veteran Ernie Conwell, who started every game in the first half of 2005 before a knee injury sidelined him. "Well the camp is important to Ernie, and the tight end position is important to our offense," Payton said about Conwell. "The camp is important to him because he hasn't been involved as much in our offseason due to his injuries." He went to discuss all of the players competing. "Well, there are a lot of guys there and we're just going to have to take a look," said Payton. "Today is the first day that we're going to watch them on tape and run game situations and see who is blocking and who is doing what in the passing game. We went out in the offseason and got a few guys aside from Ernie and Mark Campbell, you got Zach Hilton there, and Nate Lawrie. Tim Euhus came in as well as Billy Miller. They're all competing for three or four positions." Ernie Conwell has been running with the first team offense most so far. Defense: LB Anthony Simmons was a no-show on the first day of camp and Payton referred to it as an unexcused absence. In practice, LB Colby Bockwoldt made a nice play on WR Mike Hass when Colby knocked the ball out of Hass' hands following a catch as safety Bryan Scott recovered near the sideline. In another play, Scott hauled in an interception while pursuing a receiver down field. Fred Thomas got some attention, too. He picked off a pass during the first day of drills. He also came up with a diving interception during team drills when Devery Henderson couldn’t hang on to a hot pass from Todd Bouman. Thomas kept the ball alive, managed to tip it to himself and cradled it with both arms before it could hit the ground. In OL-DL drills on day three, DE Will Smith manhandled an offensive lineman. In the morning practice of day two, S Jay Bellamy stepped in front of a pass for an interception... Meanwhile, DT Hollis Thomas couldn’t help himself on one running play when he flat out leveled Aaron Stecker drawing “ooohs” from the crowd. Last week, the Saints finally did what most expected them to do all summer cutting safety Dwight Smith a week before camp started. He signed with the Vikings a few days later. Special Teams: Kicker John Carney is back for his 19th season in the NFL. Also on the roster is undrafted rookie kicker Connor Hughes out of Virginia. He was one of the top rated kickers in this year’s draft, so keep an eye on him during camp. He has a slim chance of winning the Saints job, and a slightly better chance of ending up with another team by September. Return specialist WR Michael Lewis is recovering on schedule from a torn ACL. He’s missed several recent practices with expected knee soreness, and spent the time riding a stationary bike. Even if he’s 100% by the start of the season, expect wunderkind and second overall pick RB Reggie Bush to be frequently involved in the return game. What could have been a lengthy holdout lasted only a couple days into camp, so he’ll have plenty of time to work with the team in preseason. QB Adrian McPherson has been practicing on punt returns during the initial practices in camp Download 366.51 Kb. Share with your friends:
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